The Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal Copa Libertadores 2013 match will be this Thursday, February 14, 2013 (7:00 PM EDT) at the Estadio Palestra Italia in Sao Paulo. Palmeiras (BRA) and Sporting Cristal (PER) will play their first game during the group stages of the Copa Libertadores 2013. They are part of Group 2 which also includes Libertad (PAR) and Tigre (ARG); the top two teams will advance to the final-16.
Palmeiras was recently demoted into the second division of Brazil. They were a disappointment there, but during this tournament they want to show that they are still an elite South American team. They will have an extremely difficult contest because they have lost various starters since their relegation, and for Thursday’s game they also have some out with injury.
Sporting Cristal is one of several teams that could make a surprise during this edition of Copa Libertadores. They are the reigning champions of the Peruvian league, and if they maintain their title form, they could easily qualify into the next round as they are in one of the weakest groups of the tournament. Sporting Cristal is one of the most successful teams of their country, and this 2013 will be the 29th appearance in Copa Libertadores; their best performance was in 1997 when they lost in the final.
Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal Prediction
Palmeiras wants to show that although they are a second division team, that they are still capable of succeeding in international tournaments. Sporting Cristal comes in as the best team in Peru, but the contest will be difficult as they face a tough Brazilian opponent who is eager to win. The Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal match will end 1-0 in favor of the home team.
Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal Television
The Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal game will be televised LIVE this Thursday, February 14, 2013 on Fox Deportes at 7:00 PM Eastern.
